The COVID-19 pandemic has brought out the best, and in a few cases, the worst, in people. There are helpers and there are hoarders. There are philanthropists and there are profiteers. There are people who are cautious, and people who are careless. As I mentioned in my previous blog, in spite of the fallout of the pandemic, there are at least a few silver linings. Notwithstanding the economic downturn, rising unemployment rates, obsessive hand-washing, and the need for isolation and social distancing, people are striving to be conscientious, compassionate, and hopeful.

Here is what data we collected from the Pandemic Resilience Test have revealed:

In terms of taking precautions…

  • 92% of people are following most, if not all, of the guidelines recommended by medical professionals.

That being said:

  • 16% believe that taking precautions like washing their hands, practicing social distancing, and not going out very often will prevent them from catching the virus.
  • 50% believe that they can minimize their likelihood of getting infected by following the guidelines, but don’t believe they have complete control over whether they will get the virus.
  • 28% believe that taking precautions can protect them to some degree, but for the most part, it’s pretty much about being at the wrong place at the wrong time.
  • 6% believe that taking precautions won’t make a difference at all.

As for #COVIDIOTS…

  • Only a small portion of the sample (7%) believe that hoarding food and medical supplies is the way to survive.
  • 4% are buying out food, products, and/or medicine in order to sell them at a profit.
  • 3% believe that there is no need for an infected person to self-isolate if he or she is asymptomatic.
  • 4% think quarantining is not necessary if an infected person is young and in good health.

In terms of silver lining…

  • 81% agree that right now, health is far more valuable than wealth.
  • 77% believe that the current circumstances are a valuable lesson that will help world leaders and the general population to better prepare for future pandemics.
  • 72% are doing everything they can to help family, friends, and neighbors.
  • 67% are making it a point to treat other people with extra kindness during this time.
  • 63% are taking more time to consider how their words and actions affect others.
  • 66% are able to find something positive about the current circumstances.
  • Even though the economy is suffering, 60% trust that it will pick up again soon.

Nothing reveals a person’s true nature better than a crisis. This is because stressful situations force us to re-think our priorities, and to contemplate what matters most to us. Crises also stir up a lot of fear, and this in turn pushes some people to behave in selfish ways in the name of self-preservation. This pandemic has been starkly enlightening, frightening, and tragic in many ways. It’s brought to light the general unpreparedness of many governments. It has generated conspiracy theories, and incited hoarding, price gouging, and scams. But it has also been a blessing in disguise. People on the frontlines are being recognized and praised like never before. Neighbors are bonding and helping each other, even at a distance. Families are spending more time together doing the things that they often lament they never have time for. As much as we have been challenged by this pandemic, we have also been given an opportunity to prove how strong and caring we can be. Some people prefer to call attention to all the negative aspects of this pandemic. I think it’s far better to focus on what it has done to make us better.

Insightfully yours,

Queen D